Exciting news for railroad riders: We've combined three apps into one to provide a seamless experience for Long Island Rail Road and Metro-North Railroad customers. The new TrainTime app includes schedule and train-tracking information for both LIRR and Metro-North, along with the ticket-buying functionality of MTA eTix.
With the new TrainTime, you can plan a trip, purchase a ticket, get train status and track location, and chat with a customer service representative for either LIRR or Metro-North, all in one app. The new app will also have improved the accuracy and availability of real-time location information across both LIRR and Metro-North, with enhanced GPS train tracking, real-time seat availability, and train makeup.
What to expect
If you currently use MTA eTix and have automatic updates turned on, your app will automatically update to the new TrainTime. Your account information will stay the same, and you will be able to use any tickets that you already bought. The ticket types that are currently available in eTix will still be available, as well the payment methods you currently use.
If you currently use Long Island Rail Road TrainTime or Metro-North Train Time but not eTix, you should download the new TrainTime app. It's available for iOS and Android.
How to buy tickets with the MTA’s TrainTime app
- Download the free TrainTime app before you travel. New users can log in with Apple, Google, or by text message. If you already have an eTix account, use the same username and password to retrieve your existing tickets.
- Buy your ticket before you travel. You can do so by tapping the "Buy" button after planning your trip, or via the "Tickets" tab, which is also where your tickets live.
- Just before boarding your train, go to the "Tickets" tab and activate your ticket. Once onboard, a conductor will validate the ticket either visually or by scanning it.
Tickets purchased using the app cost the same as those purchased at a ticket machine.
You may have multiple tickets for others in your party on the same device. Activate each ticket and swipe through them to show the conductor. Note that a ticket cannot be deactivated once you have activated it.
You can have Mail&Ride tickets automatically delivered using TrainTime. You can also use the app for refunds, receipts, and account updates. If you’re not seeing purchased tickets in your Ticket Wallet, make sure you’re logged in. If you had tickets in the old eTix app, make sure to log in using the same email and password.
Screenshots or videos of activated tickets are strictly prohibited. Additionally, the exchange or sharing of tickets via AirDrop or any other means is also strictly prohibited. Customers attempting to present shared tickets of any kind will be required by the conductor to purchase a new ticket at the onboard rate.
Types of tickets you can buy
- One-Way
- Round-Trip
- 10-Trip
- 20-Trip
- Weekly
- Monthly
- CityTicket
- Reduced fare tickets for seniors, passengers with disabilities, and Medicare recipients
- Family Fare and child tickets
- Military tickets
Atlantic Tickets, UniTickets, Meadowlands tickets, group tickets, and MTA Away packages are not available for purchase using the app.
Payment options
You can use a credit or debit card, and you can split the payment between two cards. The TrainTime app accepts Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express cards. You can also use digital wallets like Apple Pay. Note that digital wallets do not accept transit benefit cards or split payments.
Onboard the train
While onboard the train, the conductor may ask to scan your ticket. All tickets purchased through TrainTime are subject to scanning, just as all paper tickets are subject to inspection.
Common reasons tickets are scanned:
- You activated your ticket as the crew member began checking tickets in your car.
- Always activate your ticket just before boarding the train.
- The actual time and the time displayed on the app do not match.
- Do not change the time on your phone.
On various days throughout the month, crew members may be instructed to scan a particular type of ticket (such as a monthly) on all trains on a particular branch or branches. As a result, your ticket may be scanned while the ticket presented by another customer in your train car will not be scanned.
Additional indicators displayed on the app may prompt a crew member to scan your ticket.
If your ticket cannot be accepted after scanning:
Please provide an alternate ticket or pay the onboard fare, retain all documentation, and contact us as soon as possible.
Upon receipt of appropriate documentation, we will investigate. If the ticket presented is found to have been valid, we will provide reimbursement for additional ticket expenses incurred. Crew members will not be able to investigate and reach a determination on the train. Thank you for your cooperation.
How to get a refund
Unactivated tickets can be canceled within 2 minutes of purchase to receive a full refund.
Once the 2 minutes have elapsed, you will receive a partial refund for the unused portion of the ticket. All refunds are subject to a $10.00 fee. A one-way ticket that has been activated is considered used and is non-refundable.
You can initiate a refund of non-activated, non-expired mobile tickets by tapping on the “Actions” button displayed on the ticket, and then selecting the "Refund Ticket" option. Money will be returned to the credit/debit card used to purchase the ticket and a receipt will automatically be sent to the email address associated with your account.
For all other TrainTime refund requests or inquiries, please contact us directly by calling 511.
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